Montego Bay Community College fashion lecturer honoured with JTA Golden Torch Award

WESTERN BUREAU: Ann Marie Brown-Burgess, who lectures in fashion designing at Montego Bay Community College (MBCC) in St James, has been honoured with the Jamaica Teachers’ Association’s (JTA) 2026 Golden Torch Award for her 35 years in the classroom.

She was among 144 educators recognised on July 1 at a presentation held at the AC Hotel in New Kingston. The Golden Torch is given to teachers who have served at least 35 years in the profession.

“I taught clothing and textiles for much of my career in education,” said Brown-Burgess. “I am passionate about supporting students in developing their creative talents and applying them to the production of quality garments and accessories, and I have had the pleasure of teaching hundreds of students in fashion and design techniques.”

Brown-Burgess trained at Shortwood Teachers’ College and joined MBCC in October 1999. Reflecting on her tenure there, she said, “I have poured effort into many students.”

“I have also engaged private entities to donate scholarships and equipment to enhance the students’ learning experience because I believe teaching is transformative. I want my students to leave the programme with a renewed sense of purpose.”

She has also been central to staging MBCC’s yearly fashion show, a flagship college event that showcases students’ creativity and innovation and forms part of their final assessment.

Among those who thrived under her guidance are Tiffany Clarke and Dijonay Powell, who reached the finals of the global WorldSkills Competition in 2004 and 2023, respectively. WorldSkills is the leading international contest for technical and vocational skills, giving young professionals worldwide a stage to prove their excellence in fashion design.

Nia Lyn is another former student who has excelled, finishing as first runner-up in the National Skills Competition in 2023. That contest qualifies entrants for WorldSkills and allows secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and training bodies to send their strongest competitors across technical and vocational fields.

Brown-Burgess said she has consistently worked to keep MBCC’s fashion designing course within students’ financial reach.

“In addition to advocating externally for resources to support the programme, I have also championed affordable tuition internally. It is important to me that students can access a quality higher education experience without financial barriers, because making quality education accessible is another way we empower students to achieve their goals,” she said.

Acting principal Coleen Ricketts-Evans said the Golden Torch Award underscores the standard of excellence Brown-Burgess has long upheld.

“We celebrate this well-deserved recognition for Mrs Brown-Burgess. Over the years, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our fashion designing programme and has inspired many of our students to become globally recognised fashion designers,” said Ricketts-Evans. “The mission of the college is to foster a vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff by providing exceptional education and support services at an affordable cost. Mrs Brown-Burgess embodies that mission through her years of exceptional service and unwavering commitment to student success.”